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A8 LOCAL
Monday 23 SepteMber 2024
Surf’s Up: Favorite places to catch waves in Aruba

ORANJESTAD – Whether gear, and there are also a
you are a salt-seasoned lot of tutors if you’re looking To go to Andicuri, you will
surfer looking for a thrill, or to try for the first time and need a 4x4 vehicle and
just looking to wet your toes need a little help. These drive from the ex-Natural
in a little ocean adventure, can be found around the Bridge Center. Alternative-
Aruba has amazing places island, and will surely come ly, you can make it an ad-
to learn and practice surf- in hand if you’re wanting to venture by going on a hike!
ing! Although more known try a new experience! The scenery is unique and
for the calmer waters of beautiful on its own.
Palm Beach, Eagle Beach With that said, here are
and Mangel Halto, Aru- Aruba’s favorite surf spots! Reaching Andicuri Beach
ba also has some special can be an adventure in it-
places to thrill your senses. Andicuri self, as it can be difficult to
Andicuri is recognized as find and is only accessible
Because of strong winds the best place for body by 4x4 vehicle or walking
and breezes, Aruba is per- boarding. Because of the from the ex-Natural Bridge
fect for wind and kite surf- rough waves, this beach is center, but the impressive
ing. You will surely notice better suited for those with scenery makes it all worth-
kites in the air as you drive more experience in surfing. while!
around the wilder, rougher However, the beach with
areas on Aruba’s east side. two bluffs – one on each Arashi
side – is worth a visit, if only Arashi, a beach located
There are plenty of surf shop to watch the exciting show close to the California
rentals to help you with your presented by the surfers. Lighthouse, is a good spot

for learning and having Hadicurari
fun – if you’re lucky! The Known locally as Fisher-
waves at Arashi are usually man’s Hut, here is where
calm, but with just the right you will find most of the
weather, a swell forms at- action for surfers in Aruba.
tracting all the local surfers With a variety of surf shops
to the area. and schools in this area,
you will find it easy to get
Boca Grandi in on the action. Hadicurari
Boca Grandi is at the most is also the site of the Aruba
southern spot in Aruba, and Hi Winds World Challenge,
is a popular spot with expe- which takes place usually
rienced surfers. Close to the in June/July, and it is the
famous Red Anchor and largest windsurfing compe-
our beloved Sunrise City – tition in the Caribbean!
San Nicolas, a trip to Boca
Grandi can easily turn into Malmok
an all-day trip to this area If you’re a beginner, this is
of the island. With a beauti- your spot. There are also
ful beach (although it is not various shops to rent gear
allowed to swim here, be- and receive lessons, fa-
cause of strong currents), cilitating learning and just
you can enjoy a relaxing trying out a new experi-
time combing the beach ence. The beach is also
for driftwood, coral, and popular for paddleboard-
little crabs and snails. ing and other watersport
activities.q